Mike Coffman
The Public Record
Mike Coffman is a former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Colorado's 6th congressional district from 2009 to 2019. During his tenure, he served on various committees and was known for his work on military and veterans' affairs, as well as his focus on fiscal responsibility. Coffman has a background in the military, having served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve, which influenced his legislative priorities. He was also involved in local politics prior to his congressional career, serving as the Colorado State Treasurer and in the Colorado House of Representatives. Coffman was known for his moderate stance on several issues, including immigration reform and education. He faced challenges in his re-election campaigns, particularly in a changing political landscape in Colorado. After losing his seat in 2018, Coffman has remained active in various community and political initiatives, although he is no longer holding public office.
Why does it appear that there has been a misappropriation of funds appropriated for the purpose of research for Gulf War Illness that seems to be diverted for other purposes?
I really would like to have some benchmarks, some timetables so that we can report to our veterans that we are moving forward with this.
I remember it very well, having been there myself as a Marine Corps officer.
I find the conduct of the Veterans Administration embarrassing on this issue in terms of their treatment of veterans.
I am asking the same questions many fellow Gulf War veterans have; namely, how is this unique set of veterans being treated by the VA?
If there were Gulf War veterans in senior positions in the Veterans Administration, I don't think we would be here today.
Corruption is so pervasive. In your view, are we making any gains on this problem?
I had a career in the military with a combined 21 years between the United States Army, the Army Reserve, the United States Marine Corps, and the Marine Corps Reserve. During the course of my military career, I met so many extraordinary…
I think that--it is odd that you--that VA would not know exactly how many people when asked are providing work to help our veterans.
There was a dismal failure in the VA following its own policy and CDC guidance in addressing Legionella.
And all you have to do is look at the history at the Pittsburgh VA to know that it was preventable.
I look forward to finding out what we learn here today and reviewing what the Subcommittee learns.
There is a glaring disparity between what VA accepts responsibility for and what CDC and others attribute to the VA.
I almost did not come to this hearing because there is no point in me being here and wasting my time if I have not had a chance to prepare.
VA is committed to providing the highest quality of care that our Veterans have earned and deserve.
What happened in Pittsburgh could have been prevented and veterans have unnecessarily paid the price.
Thank you so much, panel. And I just want to note again for the record that the individuals that were requested to be here and testify, that were directly involved in this particular incident, are not here today.
My thanks to the panel. VA Pittsburgh has been caught manipulating their own data to cover poor maintenance of the copper-silver system.
Make no mistake, the VA will be closely scrutinized for its actions towards those who have testified here today.





